Capitalizing on a wave of interest in Orthodox classical education and learning, Eighth Day Institutes in Wichita is hosting their first Eighth Day Symposium conference at the end of January. The Symposium, "Imagination and Soul: Harry Potter, Twilight and Spiritual Formation," will feature noted speaker John Granger, dubbed by Time magazine as the "Dean of Harry Potter Scholars." Additional speakers from across the country will discuss these topics: "Holy Knowledge: Classical Education and the Church Fathers," "The Advent of Superman? Classical and Modern Education," and "Why Bother with Books?" Go here to register for this free event.

Wichita is also looking into the prospects of forming a new classical Orthodox school which will meet at St. George Cathedral. “We’re Orthodox,” His Grace Bishop Basil said in a recent interview. “We have something that’s true. We have something precious to offer that’s different than every other school.” With the Bishop’s blessing, a steering committee has been established and the committee leaders will present a strategic plan for the school by January 2011.

Further west, Antiochian Christian educators in Idaho have founded the Classical Learning Resource Center. With the blessing of His Grace Bishop Joseph, experienced school administrators John and Anne Van Fossen have opened an online school offering classes in Latin, Classical Greek and Greek Mythology, Homer, Philosophy and Critical Thinking. The school's third teacher, Matthew Gallatin, is a noted Antiochian speaker and author. "We offer live, interactive, real-time, online classes for all ages from young children to adults," notes Anne Van Fossen. "Understanding the stories and ideas of the ancient world provide a necessary foundation to fully appreciate today’s world. An understanding of the ancient world helps one to understand much of what is happening in the world today." Read her fascinating interview HERE.